79 You Are You No Matter What You Look Like (1/2)

”Maybe you needed to meet a vampire,” he said flippantly, playing it off as a joke.

Her eyes narrowed. ”Well that obviously isn't true considering how much the Cromwells enjoyed mocking me the past several days when I couldn't keep my glamour up anymore. I asked you a serious question; I want a serious answer.”

Ash's face fell. ”I'm sorry you had to go through that.” He hesitated a moment before continuing. ”I'm afraid you won't like my serious answer.”

What? Why wouldn't she like it? What sort of weird response was that?

”I think I can manage,” Ruby said dryly.

He sighed and looked off into the distance. ”I nearly went crazy when I found out you were missing. I stayed that way the entire time you were gone. So when I found you sprawled on the floor with your vital signs rapidly fading your appearance was the last thing on my mind. I only wanted to save you. You are you no matter what you look like. Honest.”

Oh. Had her fainting episode really been that serious? She supposed it was since she wasn't currently able to move.

But he really didn't think it mattered at all? He wasn't even shocked? You are you no matter what you look like…Ruby wasn't sure she had ever heard such beautiful words before in her life.

”You weren't mad at me?” she asked in a small voice.

Ash seemed confused. ”Why would I be mad at you? You did what you thought you had to do in order to save your family. I would have done the exact same thing. Truthfully, I was angrier at myself for not being able to stop you.

”And when I watched that video and heard Dorian Cromwell's voice…I can't tell you how horrified I was because I know what he's like. Seeing the evidence of your suffering tonight was truly terrible. I don't ever want you to suffer, Ruby. I want you to be happy and safe.”

The fuzziness in her head grew worse. ”But I left without saying goodbye. I didn't follow through on our deal. You should definitely be mad at me right now!”

Her friend shrugged. ”I was able to get my revenge anyway so technically you did follow through on the deal. As for leaving without saying goodbye…I was upset about that it doesn't matter anymore.”

”Why?”

Ash looked at her like she was a little stupid. ”Because I got you back, if not safe and sound like I had hoped. You won't do that again will you?”

”No.”

”Then we're good.”